In a surprising twist to the NFL MVP race, two legendary quarterbacks, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, have thrown their support behind San Francisco 49ers' running back Christian McCaffrey. As the 50 voters from national media outlets prepare to cast their votes, McCaffrey's endorsement from Brady and Manning could shift the conversation away from the dominant quarterback position.

Brady, a three-time MVP winner himself, expressed his admiration for McCaffrey's skills on his podcast, "Let's Go!". Reflecting on McCaffrey's explosive performance in the Rose Bowl during his college days at Stanford, Brady emphasized the running back's dynamic playmaking abilities. He believes that McCaffrey's standout season and the 49ers' offensive prowess make him a strong contender for this year's MVP title.

Meanwhile, Manning, known for his meticulous analysis, indirectly praised McCaffrey by calling him the "MVP of the league" while chiding his brother about underestimating the 49ers player's talents. Manning's recognition of McCaffrey's impact further solidifies his standing as a top candidate for the prestigious award.

McCaffrey, currently leading the NFL in rushing yards, appeared on both Brady's podcast and ESPN's "ManningCast" following the 49ers' victory over the Arizona Cardinals. During the interviews, McCaffrey humbly expressed his gratitude for the support, acknowledging that being in the MVP conversation is an honor itself. He also highlighted the success of other running backs in the league, fueling his motivation to compete at the highest level.

As the 49ers (11-3) gear up for a highly anticipated Monday night matchup against Lamar Jackson's Baltimore Ravens (11-3), McCaffrey's MVP campaign gains even more significance. The game at Levi's Stadium could prove to be a pivotal moment in the race for the NFC's No. 1 playoff seed, bolstering McCaffrey's case for the prestigious award.

While McCaffrey appreciates the recognition, he remains focused on his team's success and the ultimate goal of winning the Super Bowl. Both Brady and McCaffrey emphasized the importance of team achievements over individual accolades, with Brady reminiscing on the joy of accepting Super Bowl rings with his teammates.

Interestingly, McCaffrey used his platform to endorse his own teammate, 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, as his personal MVP choice. McCaffrey praised Purdy's exceptional performances this season, defending him against the notion of being labeled a "system quarterback." Emphasizing that every quarterback operates within a system, McCaffrey believes Purdy deserves recognition for his contributions to the team's success.

As the NFL MVP race reaches its climax, the endorsements from Brady and Manning have certainly created a buzz. McCaffrey's exceptional skills, his impact on the 49ers' offense, and the high-stakes matchup against the Ravens will all be factors that influence the final outcome. Whether McCaffrey can overcome the dominance of quarterbacks in the MVP voting remains to be seen, but the support from two NFL legends has undoubtedly given his campaign a boost.

The official announcement of the NFL MVP is expected to take place following the conclusion of the regular season, keeping football fans on the edge of their seats as they eagerly await the outcome.